Employment & training: working and studying in Greece
Work and training are essential to regain financial stability, prepare for the future and become more independent.
This page gives simple guidance to understand your options in Greece and know where to look for support.
Rules change regularly. Always check your exact situation with an NGO, an employment adviser or a lawyer.
1. Why employment matters
Working allows you to:
- earn an income for yourself and your family
- develop new skills that are useful in any country
- build contacts with Greek people and other communities
- regain a more stable and positive daily routine
Even if the job market is sometimes difficult, there are ways to move forward step by step.
2. First steps for understanding your right to work
Depending on your status (asylum seeker, recognised refugee, beneficiary of subsidiary protection, other), your right to work can be different.
In general, you need:
- a valid identity document and legal status
- a Greek tax number (AFM) and, in some cases, a social security number
- a written contract or at least clear proof of your working conditions
Never sign a document you don’t understand.
Always ask a trusted person or an NGO to read important documents with you.
3. Where can you look for a job or training?
Several organisations can help you prepare your professional project:
Social centres and NGOs
They can offer:
- help to write a CV and cover letter
- workshops to prepare for job interviews
- information about sectors that are hiring (restaurants, construction, services, etc.)
Courses and training programmes
You can find:
- Greek or English language courses focused on work
- vocational training (IT, manual trades, sales, etc.)
- workshops on digital skills (using a computer, sending an email, filling in an online form)
4. Practical tips to move forward
- Start with a small step: updating your documents, creating a simple CV, or joining a workshop.
- Write down all your past experiences (volunteering, informal work, family responsibilities) – they can be turned into skills.
- Be careful with offers that seem “too good to be true” (very high salaries, quick promises, undeclared work).
- Talk about your plans with organisations that know the reality of the job market in Greece.
5. Useful organisations and resources
SolidarityNow – Athens Solidarity Center
Social, legal and employment support.
Site : https://www.solidaritynow.org/en/athens-solidarity-center/
Caritas Hellas – Social Integration Centers
Support with employment, training and integration.
Site : https://caritas.eu/caritas-hellas-social-integration-center/
UNHCR – Help Greece
General information on rights and available services for refugees.
Site : https://help.unhcr.org/greece/
For any further questions, you can write to us via the page. “Contact & Participation”.
